10 Best NFL Free Agent Cornerbacks in 2023

Wide receivers seem to be entering the league with more speed and talent than ever before, which makes rostering reliable cornerbacks a must. Players that are capable of erasing a player from the offense with shutdown coverage down the field help allow the rest of the defense to thrive as well.

Front offices have become aware and have started to pay up for the top talent in the secondary, both in free agency and the NFL Draft. Whether your team is looking for the next ballhawk or a rotational option, here's a look at the 10 best free agent cornerbacks available in the 2023 NFL offseason.

10 Best Free Agent Cornerbacks 2023

1. James Bradberry, Philadelphia Eagles

Only one player on this list earned a second-team All-Pro nod this past season and that is James Bradberry. Bradberry tallied at least 17 pass breakups and 3 interceptions in over 1,000 defensive snaps for the third straight year in 2022. He also allowed a 46.0% completion percentage when targeted, which was the fourth-best mark among CBs. The 29-year-old bet on himself by signing a one-year deal with the Eagles and it's a bet that is going to pay off.

2. Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jamel Dean has been a bit overshadowed playing on a defense that includes big names like Devin White and Carlton Davis. The truth of the matter is the former Auburn product has been one of Tampa Bay's best defenders since entering the NFL in 2017. He has racked up 193 tackles, 41 pass breakups and 7 interceptions in 57 career games. Dean is a plug-and-play free agent addition for a team in need of cornerback depth.

3. Cam Sutton, Pittsburgh Steelers

Consistency is what Cam Sutton brings to the table. The Pittsburgh corner has played in at least 15 games in each of the last five seasons and is also coming off a career-best year. Sutton totaled 43 tackles, 15 pass breakups and 3 interceptions, while also giving up only 388 yards in pass coverage. That was the ninth-lowest among CBs that played in at least 400 defensive snaps. He has proven he is a dependable full-time starter.

4. Patrick Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

Patrick Peterson may be the oldest player on this list, but old doesn't always mean washed up. Peterson logged 15 pass breakups and 5 interceptions in 2022, which were his highest marks since 2012. The eight-time Pro Bowler also finished with the fourth-best coverage grade in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. The experience he brings to the table should result in more than a cheap one-year deal.

5. Jonathan Jones, New England Patriots

The 2022 NFL season gave Jonathan Jones an opportunity to showcase his versatility. The long-time slot cornerback moved to the outside and ended up posting a career-high 11 pass breakups to go along with 4 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles. Having a player that can move around on defense without the risk of worsened play is exactly the kind of player defensive coordinators love.

6. Marcus Peters, Baltimore Ravens

It understandably took some time for Marcus Peters to find his groove this season considering he missed all of 2021 with a torn ACL. The five-time All-Pro finished the season with 47 tackles, 1.0 sack, 6 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles and 1 interception in 13 games played. He has a knack for creating turnovers, which gives him upside as a No. 2 CB on a contending squad.

7. Emmanuel Moseley, San Francisco 49ers

Injuries have kept Emmanuel Moseley from reaching his true ceiling in the NFL. He has played in more than 12 games just once in his five-year career, but he remains a menace when fully healthy. The 26-year-old has logged 162 tackles, 33 pass breakups and 4 interceptions in 45 games. He allowed only 8.9 yards per completion in five games in 2022 before suffering a torn ACL. Moseley is expected to be ready for Week 1 of the 2023 season.

8. Anthony Brown, Dallas Cowboys

A torn Achilles injury in Week 13 ended what was lining up to be another great season for Dallas' Anthony Brown. The former Purdue standout had allowed a completion percentage of under 54.0% when targeted for the second straight season and was on pace for double-digit pass breakups. Brown has a tendency to get beat down near the end zone, but that's something that can be worked on with the right coaching staff.

9. Rock Ya-Sin, Las Vegas Raiders

While Rock Ya-Sin has may not have the upside of a No. 1 CB, he is the perfect free agent target for teams in need of a No. 2 option in the secondary. The four-year pro has tallied at least 7 pass breakups in each of the last three seasons despite only drawing 25 starts in 37 games. Ya-Sin also allowed only 1 touchdown on 69 targets in pass coverage in 2022.

10. Isaiah Oliver, Atlanta Falcons

Playing on an Atlanta defense that has been shredded more often than not over the last few seasons will likely cause Isaiah Oliver to fly under the radar in this free agent class. That shouldn't be the case, though. Oliver posted 37 tackles, 7 pass breakups and 1 interception in 12 games played (5 starts) in 2022. That's a high floor for a CB that has seemingly not reached his full potential yet.

The Duel also ranked the 10 best NFL free agents for each position group:
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Quarterbacks in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Running Backs in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Wide Receivers in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Tight Ends in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Offensive Linemen in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Defensive Linemen in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Edge Rushers in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Linebackers in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Safeties in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Punters in 2023
-10 Best NFL Free Agent Kickers in 2023

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel. 

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